We met through a dating app, Okcupid, and have been together for three and a half years. We started with light conversation online, then decided to meet up for our first date at Hai Di Lao at 313@somerset - not a good idea! The place was very popular then, so we waited from 6pm until 10pm before we finally got our seats. We spent the four-hour wait chatting away. Thankfully, it went quite well.

They're a pragmatic couple

Before Kaiwen, I dated a couple of guys and had bad experiences and serious trust issues with them. (See: Trust in your marriage - 7 things to keep in mind) So I was a bit skeptical with him initially. But Kaiwen gained my trust over time and really made an effort to make this relationship work. I guess we also met each other at the right time, age and at a stage when we were both financially stable enough to settle down. It was quite a pragmatic decision!

"I'm in a love-hate relationship with him!"

He nags a lot, more then my mum! But I know, it's for my own good.

He's a workaholic who works seven days a week, but I know he's working hard for our future. He has a strong sense of responsibility and is someone whom I trust to support me, and build a future together with. There are no boundaries between us - we have seen the best and ugliest side of each other!

"Marriage means willingness to commit yourself to one another with love and support."

Video romance

He met up with my dad alone a few days before we were to go on holiday with our families. He asked for my hand in marriage and discussed his planned proposal. he also compiled a video of our friends congratulating us with their best wishes, to be presented at the proposal.

Unfortunately, I'm really bad at creating romantic surprises for him. But I'll still make an effort to plan something for his birthday. I guess being with me every day is already the MOST romantic thing ever?

It happened over dinner at a restaurant (See: 14 ultra-romantic Singapore restaurants for proposals and anniversaries), during our Bangkok holiday with our families. He made me watch a video while we waited for our food (it was the video he has specially prepared for me) and I noticed he was trying to delay something. I later realised that he'd booked a live band for the proposal, and the band was late! When they finally appeared, he went down on his knee to propose. It was a touching, memorable and touching moment. Thankfully, our families knew about his plan beforehand, so it was not that awkward for everyone!

Pastel, flora and sexy

My colour scheme for the wedding is blush-pink nude shades with a rustic floral vibe. We're having our wedding dinner on a weekend, with a daytime solemnisation ceremony on the day itself - I want to capture that "I'm marrying today" moment!

I like the mermaid lace I tried on from Love Story Wedding Boutique for the #coverbrides contest - the cut, lace details and sheer back with a line of crystal buttons were love at first sight for me. That's definitely my dream gown!

Relationship goals

Trust, communication, and respect.

This story was originally published in Her World Brides September - November 2018.

Get the latest in bridal trends and wedding advice from planning the perfect dream wedding to what to do with your in-laws. get invitations to events, special promotions from our partners and chances to win great prizes when you sign up!